S. O. A. P.

Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!

S-cripture:

Obadiah 1:12a

You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune.

O-bservation:

The history of this passage has to do with Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion and destruction of Judah (referred to here as Jacob). While Judah and all of Israel were going down, the Edomites (modern day Jordan and the descendants of Esau) stood by and watched and made fun of and even entered into the pilfering of their brothers’ nation. God said, “You shouldn’t have done that.” And in vs. 18, the Prophet Obadiah said, “The same will happen to you!”

A-pplication:

Israel and Jordan are brothers by birth. Indeed they each serve a different God, but they shared the same Father, Isaac, thousands of years ago. There has always been bad blood between these twin brothers, but through the years they have often been allies. That wasn’t the case here. When Israel needed his brother Edom’s help, the Edomites laughed at their destruction. Solomon said, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act” (Prov. 3:27). In other words, if you or I have the power to help our brother or acquaintance when they’re in trouble, we are commanded by God to do it. If, on the other hand, we’re in as bad a shape as they are, we can at least weep with them, but certainly … “No Gloating!”

P-rayer:

Dear Jesus,

As I read this passage this AM, I was reminded of Your words, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” Help me to always embrace my friend in his or her time of trouble and never “Gloat” over them instead. Amen